Television shows come and go, but American Idol was one of a kind. The televised singing contest ended its final season with contestant Trent Harmon defeating La’Porsha Renae for the winner of American Idol. According to Nielsen ratings, the finale drew 13.3 million viewers. This was the show’s 15th and final season.

Harmon is a 25-year-old man who was a waiter at his family’s restaurant in Amory, Miss. before trying out for American Idol. Now he likely won’t have to go back to waiting tables as he has already earned a record contract to go along with his championship. Renae is a 22-year-old woman from McComb, Miss. She is a single mother and was a fan favorite as well as Harmon throughout the season. In the end, Harmon was able to get the most fan votes and be crowned the victor.

People all over the world were shocked with the results including Black Hills State University student Cody Jolovich. Jolovich has watched all seasons of the show and was surprised at the results.

“Renae should have won, the results were ridiculous,” he said.

Surprises happened frequently throughout the last episode. The finale opened up with a surprise message from President Barack Obama — he congratulated the show for its longevity. A few former American Idol winners made a return to the show and performed together. Popular former winners that came back included Carrie Underwood, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, and Jordin Sparks. Even former judges of the show made a surprise visit including Paula Abdul and the iconic Simon Cowell.

American Idol’s first season aired in June 2002, with current popular singer Kelly Clarkson being the first person to win American Idol. The show was a hit from the start, and took off from there, peaking at 30 million viewers a week in 2006. It was also ranked the number one television show for nine consecutive years. It was a great show from the start all the way to the last episode. It is saddening that this show has finally come to an end.